#4 Lions Hit Go-Ahead Grand Slam In Eighth To Beat #1 Bearcats In Black College World Series Opener

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rust College baseball program held a slim 2-1 lead heading into the top of the eighth inning with starter Jackson Bryant allowing just three hits, two walks, and one run while striking out five through seven.

However, a leadoff walk followed by back-to-back bunt singles loaded the bases and chased him from the contest. After a pop-up gave the Blue and White a chance to get out of the jam with a double play ball, Gabriel Marinez clanked a grand slam off Riverwalk Stadium's left field foul pole to give Florida Memorial a 5-2 edge which eventually swelled to 7-2 after a two-run shot later in the inning.

The Cats from northern Mississippi clawed back to within three with a pair of scores in their half but that's where the scoring ceased in a 7-4 setback in the Opening Round of the Black College World Series' NAIA bracket.

Bryant ultimately ended up wearing the loss in a seven-inning, five-strikeout performance with a quartet of runs allowed while Xavier Campbell pitched a scoreless ninth.

Khalil Robinson smashed two of the club's five base hits including its only extra-base knock, a double that attempted to start a ninth-inning rally.

Ja'Shaun Franks had the lone RBI of the day, lifting a sacrifice fly just far enough into foul territory down the right field line to score Robinson. He also logged a single as well.

Three of the other Bearcats to reach safely; Victor Clay (hit & run scored), Shemaar Stapleton (hit & run scored), and DeMarrium Warren (walk & run scored); stole a base with Jalik Demar getting on-base via a free pass.

RC is now entrenched in win-or-go-home territory the rest of the way as they face #2 Wiley at 12:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon in the NAIA Losers Bracket.

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